FAQs

Why are your distribution centers still open?

The health, safety and wellbeing of our people and customers is our number one priority and at the heart of everything we do at RS. A high number of our customers are in critical industries such as the public sector (including the NHS), food & beverage manufacturing, power generation and utilities. We play a vital role in these customers’ supply chains, including the provision of personal, protective equipment (PPE) where stock allows. Many of our employees, particularly those working in our distribution centers, are fulfilling an important role in maintaining the flow of these essential supplies. While we continue to support these important organisations, we are adhering to advice from government health agencies including the World Health Organisation.

What measures have you put in place to protect your workers?

We are committed to following the government guidelines in respect to home working and have moved most of our non-distribution centerstaff to homeworking. This has not been an easy task given the condensed timelines, but it has been successful and we have had some amazing stories of people innovating to support our customers and being able to adapt to working from home.

Additional measures we have put in place to protect our employees include:

For our workers that need to be on site to fulfil their vital role we have split shifts, to minimise contact

Making mental health first aiders available to provide emotional support where needed whilst encouraging and supporting our vulnerable people to self-isolate

Implementing a robust reporting process aligned to global and local guidance that is reviewed by our H&S and risk teams regularly

What is RS doing to support the nation and government during the current crisis?

A high number of our customers are in critical industries such as the public sector including the NHS, food and beverage manufacturing, power generation and utilities. We play a vital role in these customers’ supply chains. We have received many requests from customers, who provide essential services (food producers, medical suppliers and utilities providers), requesting our assurance that we can continue to supply.

Has there been a change to the opening hours of your customer services teams?

Our opening hours are the same. We are open Mon-Thu from 8.00-17.00 and Fri to 16.00.You are always welcome to contact us at kunde@rsonline.no or at 6483 4000.

We are working hard to provide excellent customer service during the COVID-19 pandemic and support our customers who are providing essential services.

Do you have any face masks in stock?

Demand has been unprecedented for face masks and currently we have very limited stock, however this is changing daily. We are working tirelessly with our suppliers to secure additional stock.

What is your stock position on other PPE products?

We are investing significantly in those PPE products that we are seeing higher than usual demand for. These include: aprons, disposable gloves, hand cleaners and soaps, hand wipes, multi-purpose wipes, overalls, reusable respirators, reusable respirator accessories and safety goggles and more. Our stock levels change daily, and we are working closely with our suppliers to be able to meet the demands required in these unprecedented times. To check our stock levels on an item please visit our website or contact your local customer services team.

What about wider stock availability, do you anticipate any issues?

We hold a substantial depth of inventory. We have been in contact with all our suppliers to confirm the availability of stock and we are confident that we are currently in a strong position.

Do products coming from other countries present a contamination risk?

No, people receiving packages are not at risk of contracting COVID-19. From previous analysis, the World Health Organisation has stated that it does not survive long on objects such as letters or packages. We are waiting for further guidance on this and will update our guidance accordingly.

How do I get free 3D printer filament?

RS have partnered with our suppliers to donate off-cuts of PLA filament to the National 3D Printing Society in the UK andin Denmark to DK Makers agains Corona,for them to distribute amongst their network. These end of production off-cuts are not normally suitable for sale, due to the colours being faded or mixed and their varying weights. However, they are of use to those printing PPE currently. The National 3D Printing Society and DK Makers agains Coronawill be distributing this filament to their network of volunteers. To find out more about our collaboration with the National 3D Printing Society, the wider initiative and how you can get involved, please visit our DesignSpark engineering platform.

Are you giving away RS 3D printer filament stock?

We are not giving away RS 3D printer filament from stock. We have donated PLA filament off-cuts directly from our suppliers to the National 3D Printing Society in the UK and to DK Makers agains Coronafor them to distribute amongst their network. In normal circumstances these end of production off-cuts are not suitable for sale, due to the colours being faded or mixed and their varying weights, however they are of use to those printing PPE currently. To find out more about our collaboration with the National 3D Printing Society and the whole campaign, please visit our DesignSpark community page.

My 3D printer filament order hasn’t arrived, is that because you are giving your stock away?

We are not giving away RS 3D printer filament stock and are continually working to ensure that as many of our product lines are available for customers to purchase. We have donated off-cuts of PLA filament directly from our suppliers to the National 3D Printing Society in the UK and to DK Makers agains Corona for them to distribute amongst their network. In normal circumstances these end of production off-cuts are not suitable for sale, due to the colours being faded or mixed and their varying weights, however they are of use to those printing PPE currently. If you have a query regarding your order, please click here to get the support you need.